Guard for area or basement stairways



(No Model.)

J. J. DELANY.

f GUARD FOR AREA 0R BASEMENT STAIRWAYS. L No. 889,208V Petented Sept. 11, 1888.

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UNITED STATES PATENT Erica.

JAMES J. DELANY, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

GUARD FOR AREA OR BASEMENT STAIRWAYS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 389,206, dated September 11, 1888.

Application filed May 21, IBFS.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES J. DELANY, a citizen of the United States, residing in Philadelphia, in the State of Pennsylvania, have invented an Improved Guard for Area or Basement Stairways, of which the following is a specification.

On sidewalks and other places where areastairways are located the unguarded openings are a source of danger at night, when they are not readily perceived, and during the day to inattentive persons or children at play. In many cases such stairs are used occasionally only, and yet the dangerous openingis always there as a constant menace to the safety of passers-by.

My invention consists of a backwardly and forwardly movable guard carried by the side rails, which may at will be placed across the opening from rail to rail and be there locked, if desired.

In the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing different forms of the invention.

A A represent the side rails of an ordinary basement or area stairway. They are illustrated as frequently made of iron pipe having screw-joints and coupling-sleeves. Upon the rails at a suitable point are secured sleeves b I), having laterally-projecting socket-pieces cc, in which the ends of arms D are hinged or swiveled. These arms project or lie in planes parallel with the planes in which the side rails stand, and carry at their outer ends a cross guard-bar, E, which rests upon the side rails Serial No. 274,606. (No model.)

at the entrance to the steps when the guard is forward or down, as shown in the drawings. A staple, c, on one of the rails passes through a slot in the end of the bar E forthe reception ofa padlock. IVhen not required, the guard may be thrown back against the wall of the building.

In Fig. 2 the guard-bar E is carried by sleeves E E, sliding loosely on the side rails, and may be moved back and forth. It is socured in its forward position by a pin, which may enter a slot in one of the side rails and be locked by a padlock engaging an eye therein.

When Ispeak ofthe "side rails I of course include any kind of rail or guard arranged at the sides of the stairway-opening.

I claim as my invention- 1. The combination, with the side rails of a stairway, ofa backwardly and forwardly movable guard carried by the rails, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination of the stairway side rails and the guard hinged thereto, substantially as set forth.

8. The combination of the stairway side rails, the guard hinged thereto, and locking devices for locking the guard in its forward position, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name.

JAM ES .I. DELANY.

Witnesses:

G. M. STEWART, JOHN F. TURNER. 

